MAJOR EQUERRY OF HIS HOLINESS. - He belongs to the pontifical household, as the second of the participating secret chamberlains of sword and cape. His office ceases upon the death of the Pontiff. The prior. stabili is already mentioned in 590. The present title dates back to Benedict XII. The c. m. presided over the papal stables, their dependencies and appurtenances, in agreement with and under the authority of the mons. maggiordomo, having a share, by disposition of the supreme pontiffs Leo XII and Gregory XVI (1832), in the administration of the S. Palazzo. He directed the stable through a superintendent.
It was the duty of the c. m. to open and close the door of the carriage and sedan chair of the Holy Father, as well as to present him with the horse on the occasion of rides. Now this office, to which no function corresponds, is an honorary title.
(photo by Felici)
MAJOR EQUERRY OF HIS HOLINESS — Ceremonial dress.